The Hindu Business Line : Govt to stockpile bird flu drugs

THOUGH there has so far been no reported incidence of avian influenza in India, as a precautionary measure the Government is planning to stockpile 10 lakh doses of the drug, Tamiflu, which is used for treatment.

Speaking to newspersons, the Health Minister, Dr A. Ramadoss, said: "There is no stockpile of the drug currently, but 10 lakh doses of the drug, Tamiflu, will be stockpiled. We will buy from Roche and GlaxoSmithKline and could consider asking Indian companies such as Ranbaxy and Cipla to also supply the drugs."

Representatives from Roche are expected to visit India later this week to apprise the Government on the quantity of the drug the company could supply, he added.

Companies such as Cipla and Ranbaxy have sought assistance from the Government for manufacturing Tamiflu.

"Ranbaxy and Cipla have approached us seeking assistance for procuring raw materials, sorting out licensing issues, and selling the drug in the market," said the Health Secretary, Mr P.K. Hota.

Roche patent pending: He added that they also wanted the Government to help them source the raw materials, which are in shortly supply. "They have sought our guidance on the licensing of Tamiflu from Roche, the patent for which is still pending in India, as well the possible size of the drug order."

He said that a Secretary-level meeting, involving officials from Health, Chemical and Industrial Development, and Animal Husbandry Ministries had discussed issues relating to the patents of Tamiflu.

Compulsory licensing: The Health Ministry has asked the Industry Ministry to submit its views on whether or not the compulsory licensing clause could be invoked as the product patent application for Tamiflu is pending in the mailbox.

Worldwide, Gilead Sciences Inc holds the patent to the drug, which is being marketed by Roche. In India, Roche has claimed that it is awaiting approval for its patent for Tamiflu.

On whether the Government was mulling invoking of compulsory licensing, Mr Hota said: "Our primary concern is to make available the drug without any confrontation. We would like those companies to sort the matter amicably."

Legal experts said that since the patent has not yet been granted to the innovator company, the issue of invoking the compulsory licensing clause does not arise.

However, generic companies can enter into licensing agreements with the patent holder to manufacture the drug.

The Ministry is also jointly initiating steps along with the Environment and Animal Husbandry Departments to prevent the spread of the disease.

The WHO has also stockpiled three million doses of the drug for global supply.

It is planning to stockpile 15,000-20,000 doses for the South-East Asian Region, said WHO representative, Mr Salim Habayeb.

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